Ephesians 4:8

Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

Greek:

• This is why (wherefore, on which account, therefore, consequently)
• it says: 
• "When He ascended (to go up, mount, ascend)
• on high, (height, heaven, dignity, eminence)
• He led (to take captive, captivate)
• captives away, (captivity)
• and gave (to offer)
• gifts (a present)
• to men." (one of the human race)

Scriptures:

• Psalms 68:18
• Colossians 2:15
• Acts 2:33
• Romans 12:6-8
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
• 1 Corinthians 15:24-28
• Hebrews 2:14-15
• 1 Peter 3:22
• John 16:7
• Matthew 28:18
• Philippians 2:9-11
• 1 Corinthians 15:57
• Romans 8:37
• Hebrews 1:3
• Revelations 5:12

Commentary:

  When I read this, I think of the fact that Jesus died, He then rose again. Because of His sacrifice and His obedience to Abba Father God, He was given all authority over all things. He is the Great Shepherd, but also the Great and Perfect King. He is Whom Israel is waiting for, and whom is already ours for the taking. He is our Victor and conquered death at the cross. The physical death will be conquered after the millennial kingdom timeline is completed.  Jesus conquering the grave through His death and resurrection, dealt with our spiritual death, and was the one that provided it's immediate effect on humanity. 

      When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, as God and King, repent of our sins (complete change in mind, turning completely away from our fleshly way of thinking, acting, and speaking), and ask for Him to be Lord over our lives, He sends the Holy Spirit, or the "Advocate" or "Helper" to us, to dwell within us, and to help us become refined and ready to be used mightily for God's kingdom, Jesus's kingdom. 

    The gifts were given by our Lord, through the Holy Spirit. He gives us what we need to be used for His glory, and our good. He is the one who helps us to conquer those strongholds (addictions, attitudes, behaviors, mindsets) we can't get rid of without help. How awesome is our Father God in heaven, our Savior God Jesus, and our Helper who is God within us. We are indeed gifted with His Spirit because we are never alone and we will always have a friend and comforter in our midst. How awesome and loving is our God!!!!

Worship/Praise:

Youtube: Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) Lyrics ~ People & Songs ft. Josh Sherman iTunes - http://smarturl.it/PS23

There is a Fountain (Full of Love) arranged and bridge written by Shane Barnard

Non-official Lyric Video link Shane and Shane - There is a Fountain (Full of Love) Lyric Video

Album - Hymns, Vol. 1

Youtube verbiage from Hillside Recording: "Rule" is my latest Christian music release with the incredible ‪@elizaking‬ . We wrote this worship song around Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts". Whatever hardship, heartache, grief, loss, pain, or suffering you have walked through... there can still be peace. I've experienced in my life, where I thought peace wasn't possible. But resting in the Presence of Jesus, and surrendering to Him, I've found a peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray today that you can let His peace rule in your heart. God bless you!